Israel Adesanya says he feels just like the “previous canine” within the UFC whose job is to fend off the brand new era.
The 35-year-old Nigerian-born New Zealander is a two-time former UFC champion and thought to be one of many best middleweights of all time.
He faces France’s Nassourdine Imavov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday however approaches the competition after struggling successive defeats for the primary time in his 13-year MMA profession.
Adesanya spoke lately of maybe being a “gatekeeper” within the sport.
“I mentioned ‘gatekeeper’ as a joke. I really feel just like the previous canine after which there’s the younger guys arising making an attempt to show themselves,” mentioned Adesanya.
“And it is my job to ship them again down and allow them to know I am nonetheless right here.
“I really feel if I lose my subsequent 10 fights it would not have an effect on my legacy. This battle is vital for me, not for anybody else. I am doing this to show to myself I am nonetheless concerned on this recreation, I am nonetheless getting higher, I am nonetheless very harmful.”
Adesanya misplaced his middleweight belt in a shock defeat by American Sean Strickland in 2023 earlier than losing to South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis the next yr in one other title bout.
